Systems and methods for confirming assistance requests in electronic gaming machines

ABSTRACT

The invention provides systems, methods and devices for confirming a service request in a gaming machine, which includes, among other things, a service request signal actuator for transmitting a service request signal relating to a service request, a service request data interface for transmitting a service request verification query for presentation on the display, detecting the input response to the service request verification query, determining whether the input response either is a verification of the service request or a negation of the service request, and terminating the transmission of the service request verification query responsive to the determination of that the input response received is a negation of the service request.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/505,695, filed Jul. 8, 2011, which isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to systems andmethods for improving gaming machine operations and efficiency, and moreparticularly, to systems and methods for confirming the legitimacy of arequest for service or assistance transmitted from a gaming machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electronic gaming machines (EGM), such as a slot machines, video poker,blackjack or keno machines, typically include an outer cabinet thathouses a main controller, several peripheral devices, and wiringharnesses to electrically connect the peripheral devices to the maincontroller. The main controller may, for example, include one or moreprinted circuit boards carrying one or more processors, a plurality oflogic devices, and one or more memory devices for storing executableprogram code and game data. The memory devices for storing executablecode may, for example, include EPROMS, hard disk drives, SD-Cards,Compact FLASH cards, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and Smart Media cards. The storedexecutable code provides two basic functions, namely, providing anoperating system for controlling the gaming machine and handlingcommunications between the gaming machine and an external network, andthe game code for conducting a game on the gaming machine.

EGMs often further include a button, or a virtual representationthereof, which allows players to request assistance from casinopersonnel, also commonly referred to as the “service button.” Oncepressed, a signal will be transmitted via a wired or wirelesscommunication network to a monitoring system, which is then relayed topersonnel or attendants who may either be stationed on the gaming flooror otherwise will be deployed to the EGM from which the service signalwas transmitted. While there are many legitimate reasons for requestingassistance, players will often falsely press the service button, eitheraccidentally or through a misunderstanding of its intended use. Sincecasino personnel cannot tell the difference between a legitimate requestfor assistance and a false request, they must investigate each requestas if the request were legitimate. It should be readily apparent thatfalse requests result in a significant amount of wasted time and effortby casino personnel. Furthermore, it follows that a system and methodfor determining whether the request is false or legitimate would reduceor even eliminate such waste.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments are directed to an EGM configured for providing aninteractive game which includes a display, memory containing displaycontent including game play content, a player interface for inputtinginformation and player selections relating to the interactive game,wherein the player interface includes a service button, and a gamecontroller configured for facilitating game play of the interactivegame, including receiving information from the player interface andproviding game content on the display during game play. Theaforementioned EGM further includes programming which is responsive toactuation of the service button to provide a prompt on the display,wherein the prompt requests confirmation of the intention to actuate theservice button and associated assistance. The EGM includes communicationpathways to a server or a network of gaming machines.

In some embodiments, the gaming machine has at least one display, andthe gaming machine is comprised of a service request signal actuator,service request data interface, and a service request signal indicator.The service request signal actuator operatively associated with thegaming machine and configured for transmitting a service request signalrelating to a service request and identifying the associated gamingmachine upon actuation thereof. The service request data interface incommunication with the service request actuator and configured for (i)transmitting a service request verification query for presentation onthe display, the transmission of the service request verification querybeing responsive to the detection of the service request signal, whereinthe query requests an input response including one of either averification of the service request or a negation of the servicerequest, (ii) detecting the input response to the service requestverification query, (iii) determining whether the input response eitheris a verification of the service request or a negation of the servicerequest, and (iv) terminating the transmission of the service requestverification query responsive to the determination of that the inputresponse received is a negation of the service request. The servicerequest indicator in communication with the service request datainterface, wherein the service request indicator is configured toindicate a verified service request to the gaming machine associatedtherewith responsive to the determination that the input responsereceived is a verification of the service request.

In some embodiments, the service request signal actuator is a mechanicalbutton or a touch sensitive display.

In some embodiments, the service request data interface establishes aninput based on a player selected portion of the display.

In some embodiments, the service request indicator is in communicationwith a network of gaming machines, receives and/or indicates a verifiedservice request to the network.

In some embodiments, the service request data interface may suspendfurther play on the gaming machine for a set period of time, if theservice request data interface does not receive verification or negationof the service request within the set period of time, then the servicerequest data interface permits play to continue on the gaming machine.In some embodiments, the display illustrates the set period of time by acountdown of numbers.

Some embodiments of the invention are also directed to methods forconfirming a service request in a gaming machine. An exemplary methodmay include the steps of: receiving a service request signal relating toa service request; transmitting a service request verification query forpresentation on the display, the transmission of the service requestverification query being responsive to the detection of the servicerequest signal, wherein the query requests an input response includingone of either a verification of the service request or a negation of theservice request; receiving the input response to the service requestverification query; determining whether the input response is either averification of the service request or a negation of the servicerequest; and transmitting a verified service request signal if inputresponse is a verification of the service request; or terminating thetransmission of the service request verification query responsive to thedetermination of that the input response received is a negation of theservice request.

In some embodiments, the transmission of a service request signaloriginates from a mechanical button or a touch sensitive display, andthe input response is based on the receiving of a signal indicating thata player selected portion of the display has been touched.

In some embodiments, the verified service request is communicated to thenetwork.

In some embodiments, the aforementioned method further include the stepof suspending the game play on the gaming machine and then releasing thegame from the suspended state if no verification input or negation inputof the service request is received within the predetermined period oftime or the transmission of the service request verification query isterminated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which at least someembodiments of the invention pertains will more readily understand howto make and use systems, devices and methods in accordance therewith,such embodiments thereof will be described in enabling detail hereinbelow with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic drawing of a gaming system with a servicerequest signal actuator according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an illustrative presentation of a query on the gamingmachine display in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description contains illustrations of devices, systems andmethods according to the invention for purposes of promoting anunderstanding of embodiments the invention, among other things. Itshould be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited bythese embodiments. Alterations and modifications of the features of theinvention, as well as, additional applications of its principles inother forms or embodiments, such as those which would normally occur toone skilled in the relevant art having possession of this disclosure,are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a gaming machine or EGM 10incorporating an exemplary embodiment of the invention, which is alsoconfigured for providing a wagering game, such as a slot or poker game,involving some measure of player interaction with EGM 10 for theoperation thereof.

EGM 10 is operatively associated with controller 12 and slot machineinterface board (SMIB) 14 or other EGM device for handling externalcommunications between EGM 10 and an external network 16. Controller 12may include a data processor and also function as the main controller ofEGM 10. Controller 12 is in operative communication with memory 18 whichcould be a ROM or RAM type memory or contain both. The ROM portiontypically stores game control programs, various types of play programsused to perform various types of plays on an EGM display 20 as a gameprogress, selection tables used to select various types of winningpatterns, various other types of programs, data tables and the likeneeded for the control of the EGM 10. RAM functions as a memory thattemporarily stores various types of data calculated by controller 12.Communication connections between EGM devices may be facilitated throughwireless or wired systems, such as by a serial cable or other datacommunication link to a port in network 16. Examples of such connectiveelements include RS232, RS422, RS485 ports, or any other port capable ofdetecting communication such as SAS communication or other protocol datasignals which are generated by EGM 10.

EGM 10 further includes a service request data interface 22 which mayrely on software programming which resides in memory 18 or otherlocation, including a separate memory within EGM 10 or network 16.Service request data interface 22 is configured to be in communicationwith a service request signal actuator 24 and a service requestindicator 26, as well as controller 12 and/or network 16. Data signalsthat are generated or transmitted as a result of user-initiatedassistance request from service request signal actuator 24, which may becaused by depressing an assistance request mechanical button or bytouching a virtual button presented on a touch-enabled display 20, aredetected by data interface 22.

It should be understood that EGM 10 detects data signals that areassociated with the initiation of a service or assistance request fromservice request signal actuator 24 without impacting othercommunications, operations or signals within EGM 10. However, in someembodiments, data interface 22 may, upon detection of a user-initiatedassistance request, facilitate the temporary interruption of game playor otherwise disable play until the assistance request is confirmed ornegated as discussed herein. If confirmed, the interruption may continueuntil a response to the request is received, which may be electronicallythrough the EGM display, another system, or via a staff visit, forexample. If the assistance request is not confirmed or otherwisenegated, then if EGM 10 had been placed in a suspended state, then thesuspension will be released and EGM 10 will return to the prior statebefore the assistance request had been detected. In other embodiments,EGM 10 will not be placed in a suspended state at all or only if theassistance request is confirmed.

Service request data interface 22 responds to the detection of auser-initiated assistance request from service request signal actuator24 by suspending further transmission of the signal and causing apresentation display 20. It should be understood that display 20 couldbe the main display of EGM 10, a secondary game display, a playertracking display, or other display operatively associated with EGM 10.

In this embodiment, the presentation on display 20 is intended toconfirm the user-initiated assistance request detected by servicerequest data interface 22. Thus, it should be understood that anypresentation may be shown on display 20 which is reasonably intended toconfirm the assistance request, such as a query, a confirmation button,a request to depress the mechanical service button again, or the like.If confirmation of the service request is received after thepresentation on display 20, then such confirmation will generate asignal which will be detected by service request data interface 22. Upondetection of the confirmation signal, service request data interface 22will either allow or otherwise transmit the service request signal tothe service request indicator 26. Service request indictor 26 mayinclude an EGM service light or “candle” which is illuminated uponconfirmation of the service request by service request data interface22. Service request indicator 26 may also include or be part of a systemin which a remote device which is monitored by the appropriate staffmembers overseeing and providing maintenance for gaming floor operationsreceives a notification of the service request and the origin thereofwhich is transmitted through service request data interface 22.

Referring to FIG. 2, wherein service request data interface causes thedisplay of a query or prompt 130 on display 120 of EGM 110 requestingthat the player confirm that assistance is needed. Anyone requiringservice can activate a service request via a button or touch screendisplay 120. It is envisioned that prompt 130 may be in the form of awindow of any size, in any location on the main display 120 and directlyover the underlying normal game display shown on display 120, on asecondary display that is above the main screen, or any other displaymeans attached to the gaming machine. The presentation of the prompt 130or prompt window may result in the suspense of further game play.Display of the prompt 130 may also include on the display 120 touchscreen buttons that confirm 132, deny 134, (i.e., indicate “yes” or“no”) or time out 136 the service request. In one embodiment, the timeout 136 may be visually displayed to the player or alternatively,internally tracked. If no response is given within the predeterminedtime limit, then game play is resumed on EGM 110.

It should be understood that the system and method of the invention mayalso be used with gaming machines that signal a service request throughalternate means, including wirelessly or through a visual indicatorassociated with the EGM 110. In such embodiments, the service requestsignal transmitted to a service request indicator, whether it be througha flashing, illuminated candle or otherwise, will be delayed until therequest for assistance is confirmed by the player according to theinstructions provided by the prompt 130 window.

An exemplary method of confirming, denying, or timing out a servicerequest is generally referred to by the reference numeral 50 in FIG. 3.In this embodiment, it is envisioned a player is interacting with EGM10, though the method is not meant to be limited to just players of theEGM 10.

In step 52, the gaming machine receives data that a service request isreceived. In step 54, game play on the machine may be suspended orotherwise interrupted in response thereto. In step 56, a prompt isdisplayed on the gaming machine display which communicates that aservice request has been received and confirmation of the request isnecessary to receive assistance. The prompt in step 56 may also indicateto the player that the service request will not proceed unless aresponse is received within a certain amount of time.

In step 58, the system of the invention determines whether confirmationhas been received. For example, a button can be on the screen or theplayer can confirm by pressing the service mechanical button again oralternatively may remove the request by pressing the service buttonagain. If the request for assistance is confirmed, then in step 60, therequest is relayed to the monitoring system or otherwise made active bythe monitoring system so that an attendant is deployed to the specifiedgaming machine from which the confirmed request originated. In step 62,the confirmation is also communicated to an indicator, such as a candleon the gaming machine. As mentioned above, the game may be suspendedupon the confirmation of the service request, but alternatively inanother embodiment, play of the game may not be suspended.

In step 66, if the request is denied, or similarly, times out in step68, then the service request will not be acted upon. The activation ofthe deny button will allow the gaming machine to return to its normalfunction and continue play. Similarly, if there is no signal to thegaming machine that either confirm or deny buttons have been activated,then after a predetermined time, in this embodiment the prompt willremove and the game will continue play. In another embodiment, there isno predetermined time frame and the prompt will stay on the displayuntil a button is activated. In another embodiment, the deny buttonsignal may be recognized by mechanically activated. For example, theprompt on the display could instruct the player to press the servicemechanical button again to deny.

It should be understood that the device may be installed in an existingEGM or fully incorporated as an additional system in the programming ofan EGM. It should be further understood that some embodiments mayfurther employ adding hardware, firmware, or software to a gamingmachine to facilitate the functions or configurations described herein.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that methods andsystems of the embodiments of the invention described herein may includevarious computer and network related software and hardware, such asprograms, operating systems, memory storage devices, input/outputdevices, processors, servers, data communication links, whether wirelessor otherwise, and data transceiving devices. Those skilled in the artwill further appreciate that the precise types of software and hardwareused are not vital to the full implementation of the invention so longas embodiments thereof are provided in accordance with the methods andsystems described herein.

It should be understood that the embodiments of the present inventionmay be implemented to confirm assistance requests in one or more EGMs,one or more gaming establishments and throughout multiple jurisdictions.Moreover, the systems and methods according to the embodiments of thepresent invention are suitable for all varieties of gaming machines andplatforms, as well as non-gambling electronic devices (e.g., arcadegames).

While exemplary methods and systems have been described herein, itshould also be understood that the foregoing is only illustrative of theinvention and its embodiments, as well as principles thereof, and thatvarious modifications can be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from its scope and spirit. Therefore, the describedembodiments should not be considered as limiting of the invention in anyway. Accordingly, the invention embraces alternatives, modifications andvariations which fall within the spirit and scope of the claims.

1. A gaming machine having a display, comprising: a. a service requestsignal actuator operatively associated with the gaming machine andconfigured for transmitting a service request signal relating to aservice request and identifying the associated gaming machine uponactuation thereof; b. a service request data interface in communicationwith the service request actuator and configured for (i) transmitting aservice request verification query for presentation on the display, thetransmission of the service request verification query being responsiveto the detection of the service request signal, wherein the queryrequests an input response including one of either a verification of theservice request or a negation of the service request, (ii) detecting theinput response to the service request verification query, (iii)determining whether the input response either is a verification of theservice request or a negation of the service request, and (iv)terminating the transmission of the service request verification queryresponsive to the determination of that the input response received is anegation of the service request; and c. a service request indicator incommunication with the service request data interface, wherein theservice request indicator is configured to indicate a verified servicerequest to the gaming machine associated therewith responsive to thedetermination that the input response received is a verification of theservice request.
 2. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 1, whereinthe service request signal actuator is a mechanical button.
 3. Thegaming machine, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the service requestsignal actuator is a touch sensitive display.
 4. The gaming machine, asset forth in claim 3, wherein the service request data interfaceestablishes an input based on a player selected portion of the display.5. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the servicerequest indicator being in communication with a network of gamingmachines, indicates a verified service request to the network.
 6. Thegaming machine, as set forth in claim 5, wherein the service requestindicator indicates a verified service request by means of anillumination device.
 7. The gaming machine, as set forth in claim 5,wherein the service request indicator is operatively associated with aslot machine interface board.
 8. The gaming machine, as set forth inclaim 1, wherein the service request data interface suspends furtherplay on the gaming machine for a set period of time, if the servicerequest data interface does not receive verification or negation of theservice request within the set period of time, then the service requestdata interface permits play to continue on the gaming machine.
 9. Thegaming machine, as set forth in claim 8, wherein the display illustratesthe set period of time by a countdown of numbers.
 10. A method forconfirming a service request in a gaming machine, comprising thefollowing steps of: a. receiving a service request signal relating to aservice request; b. transmitting a service request verification queryfor presentation on the display, the transmission of the service requestverification query being responsive to the detection of the servicerequest signal, wherein the query requests an input response includingone of either a verification of the service request or a negation of theservice request; c. receiving the input response to the service requestverification query; d. determining whether the input response is eithera verification of the service request or a negation of the servicerequest; and e. transmitting a verified service request signal if inputresponse is a verification of the service request; or f. terminating thetransmission of the service request verification query responsive to thedetermination of that the input response received is a negation of theservice request.
 11. The method, as set forth in claim 10, wherein thetransmission of a service request signal originates from a mechanicalbutton.
 12. The method, as set forth in claim 10, wherein thetransmission of a service request signal originates from touch sensitivedisplay.
 13. The method, as set forth in claim 12, wherein the inputresponse is based on a player selected portion of the display.
 14. Themethod, as set forth in claim 10, wherein the verified service requestis communicated to the network.
 15. The method, as set forth in claim10, wherein the verified service request is communicated to anillumination device.
 16. The method, as set forth in claim 10, whereinthe method further comprises the step of: a. if no verification input ornegation input of the service request is received within thepredetermined period of time, then play is no longer suspended on thegaming machine, and the transmission of the service request verificationquery is terminated.
 17. The method, as set forth in claim 16, furthercomprises a step of displaying the set period of time by a countdown ofnumbers.